The Somerset County Historic Preservation Grant Program, an innovative program that was the first of its kind in New Jersey, is celebrating its 25th year of awards.
“As the United States is preparing to commemorate the 250th anniversary of its founding in 2026, Somerset County, as one of the oldest Counties in the country, is highly motivated to join in on those celebrations,” said Somerset County Commissioner Melonie Marano. “Our myriad of historical sites are treasures, and it is only through thoughtful maintenance and care that we can be assured these sites will be available for future generations. The Grant Program has been admirably and responsibly supporting sites for over two decades.”
“The program’s longevity is thanks to the unwavering support of the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners, who allocate funding annually to the program,” said Josephine Taranto, Somerset County preservation planner. “We are also so grateful to have support from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, who have administered the program since its inception twenty-five years ago.”
Three locations received grant awards in the 2024 year. Grants were awarded to support the stabilization, rehabilitation, restoration, and overall preservation of these Somerset County historic sites.
Photographed from left to right: Somerset County Cultural Arts Center members - Andrew Golden (Chairman), Catherine Heldt (Board Member), Dawn Frederick (House Manager), Gail Woerner (2nd Vice Chair), and Curt Schmidt (1st Vice Chair).“We are so grateful for the support we’ve received from the County for the Abraham Staats House. Thank you to the Somerset County Board of Commissioners and the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission for this wonderful award from SCHGP to the Borough of South Bound Brook,” said Kathy Faulks, president, South Bound Brook Historic Preservation Advisory Commission. “Steady progress has been made in the 25 years since the Borough acquired the property. Without the County’s support the house probably would have been sold and converted to apartments and we would have lost this historical resource.”
Abraham Staats House, also known as the General Baron von Steuben Headquarters and one of the County’s “Five Generals Houses,” located at 17 Von Steuben Lane in South Bound Brook.
Abraham Staats house was awarded $172,352 for the ongoing ADA accessibility work including the continuation of a new sidewalk, improvements to heating and cooling systems, bathroom upgrades, and doorway improvements. To learn more or to plan your visit to this historic site, visit staatshouse.org.
Photographed from left to right: Somerset County Historical Society members - Alan Hurley (Trustee) and Frank McGonigle (President).
Brook Arts Center, commonly known as the Brook Theatre, located at 10 Hamilton Street in Bound Brook.
The Brook Arts Center was awarded $150,000 for the preparation of a Historic Structures Report. This report will benefit the site in all future restoration and planning efforts. To learn more or to plan your visit to this historical location, visit brookarts.org.
Stillwell – Van Tine Farmhouse at the Howe Property, located in Franklin.
The Stillwell – Van Tine Farmhouse at the Howe Property was awarded $171,740 for the ongoing restoration of the farmhouse including exterior improvements, restoration and rebuilding of front porch, interior plaster walls and ceiling finishes, lighting, carpentry on the first floor, rebuilding of rear porch including barrier-free access upgrades, installation of new heating and cooling systems at first floor, and new accessible restrooms and septic systems. To learn more about this project, visit somersethistorynj.org/howe-farmstead-project-1.
Since 1999, the County’s grant program has awarded over $22 million dollars to over 70 historic resources across 57 historic sites. Past awardees include:
The Kennedy-Martin-Stelle Farmstead, home to Farmstead Arts in Basking Ridge:
Between 2001 and 2023, the KMS Farmstead has received $2,226,795 for the restoration of the farmstead. The Farmstead is home to a farmhouse, a cowshed, and an English Barn, all of which date to the 18th century. The property was owned by a prominent pastor, Rev. Samuel Kennedy, in 1762. In 1778 the property was owned by Col. Ephraim Martin, a Revolutionary War Soldier, and State Legislator. From 1794 to 1945, the property was owned by the Stelle family, who were prominent landowners and the property’s longest steward. Architectural significance lies in both the farmhouse and the English barn, each of which are prime examples of typical 18th-19th century agricultural buildings. The property today acts as a center for arts, including a gallery space, which hosts lectures and art related workshops. To learn more or to plan your visit to this historic location, visit: farmsteadarts.org.
The Pluckemin School House, home to the Center for Contemporary Art in Bedminster:
The Center for Contemporary Art received $57,850 between 2003 and 2022 for the restoration of the building, and a Somerset County Historical Marker. The 1912 schoolhouse building is now home to the Center for Contemporary Art, a non-profit art education institution that serves our community. The two-story brick schoolhouse functioned as an educational facility until 1958 and is a pivotal structure in the Pluckemin Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. To learn more or to plan your visit to this historic location, visit: ccabedminster.org.
The Van Veghten House in Bridgewater:
The Somerset County Historical Society (SCHS) received $772,589 for the restoration of the house between 2002 and 2017, and a Somerset County Historical Marker. The Van Veghten House is a c. 1725 brick, Dutch house with a c.1830 kitchen wing. This house is one of Somerset County’s “Five Generals Houses” from the Revolutionary War Era. The home was headquarters to Quartermaster General Nathaniel Green from 1778-1779 during the Middlebrook Cantonment (Second Middlebrook Encampment). General Washington visited the home on several occasions. It contains a library and museum, and serves as the headquarters for the SCHS. To learn more or to plan your visit to this historic location, visit: somersethistorynj.org/our-headquarters.
Applications for Somerset County’s 2025 round of funding will be available early spring 2025. Learn more: https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/government/public-works/cultural-heritage….
For questions, email jtaranto@co.somerset.nj.us or call (908) 231-7665.
Funds are made possible by the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners through the Somerset County Open Space, Recreation, Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.
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About Somerset County
The County of Somerset is committed to excellence and innovation in public service, promoting the well-being of all residents and communities by providing effective, efficient, and responsive leadership.
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